Re: Tennessee vs. Bourbon

I swear by the Dickel No.12, although it has a distinct grain flavor that I get to a much lesser degree in bourbons. Both TN whiskies have a high corn mashbill with very little rye, so they are less balanced than many bourbons -- also, they seem to have much less of a barrel presence in the finish than most bourbons. JD has a little more barrel than GD to me, but that's not enough to recommend it -- the proof is too low and the price is too high. Even Dickel No.8 is better than JD Black for half the price. I would offer that none of the TN whiskies I've had are especially complex (maybe due to the virtual lack of flavor grain), but they are pretty easy drinking. The closest TN/Bourbon comparison I can think of would be GD12 vs. WLW SR -- they remind me very much of each other.....the bottom line is there is much more variety in bourbon than TN whiskey, so it can't hurt to find a TN you like and just keep it around.

Last edited by funknik; 02-19-2009 at 08:33.

"A person can work up a mean, mean thirst after a hard day of nothing much at all . . . "

Re: Tennessee vs. Bourbon

GD #12 one of my favorite pours. I did 2 nights of tastings last year 25 + people each night ,and by a show of hands GD12 came out on top. The other 3 pours were, weller antique 107, saz rye jr and Old Grand Dad 114.

Re: Tennessee vs. Bourbon

Re: Tennessee vs. Bourbon

you have to try JD single barrel. One of my favorites. But the Dickel Barrel Select is the best overall. The JD Single Barrel is 94 proof and the Barrel Select is 86. Gentlemen Jack is smooth with no taste. They filter it through charcoal twice and I think it destroys the flavor. Anyway, I a novice at Bourbon. I use to sneak my dad's Old Grand Dad when I was a Kid. But other than that I like Maker's Mark.

Re: Tennessee vs. Bourbon

I think there is a taste difference between TN's as a group and Bourbons. TN Whiskey is smoother, has more char and maple in the nose and on the tongue. Bourbon is more complex and in most circumstances is hotter.

But that said, I like them both. Haven't had JD in a long time but I am a fan of GD, esp. the Barrel Select. Great stuff.

Re: Tennessee vs. Bourbon

Originally Posted by funknik

I swear by the Dickel No.12, although it has a distinct grain flavor that I get to a much lesser degree in bourbons. Both TN whiskies have a high corn mashbill with very little rye, so they are less balanced than many bourbons -- also, they seem to have much less of a barrel presence in the finish than most bourbons. JD has a little more barrel than GD to me, but that's not enough to recommend it -- the proof is too low and the price is too high. Even Dickel No.8 is better than JD Black for half the price. I would offer that none of the TN whiskies I've had are especially complex (maybe due to the virtual lack of flavor grain), but they are pretty easy drinking. The closest TN/Bourbon comparison I can think of would be GD12 vs. WLW SR -- they remind me very much of each other.....the bottom line is there is much more variety in bourbon than TN whiskey, so it can't hurt to find a TN you like and just keep it around.

This is dead on to my take.... especially the easy drinking part... very soft to the palate...

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